A dramatic abandoned cave city on a high limestone plateau 3 km east of Bahchisaray, accessed by a steep half-hour walk from the Dormition Monastery. The site was inhabited from the 6th century onwards by Goths, Alans, Crimean Tatars, and finally a community of Karaim Jews, with several layers of rock-cut chambers, defensive walls, mausolea, and the two Karaim kenesa (prayer houses) surviving.
The plateau is windswept and bare, the views across the valley are spectacular, and the experience of wandering between the open-roofed houses and cave dwellings is unlike anything else in Crimea. Allow a full half day from the centre of Bahchisaray. Bring water and sun protection — there is no shade on the plateau.